Sly Grog-Selling.

Southland Times, Issue 19727, 30 January 1906, Page 2

Sly Grog-Selling.

A ” THIN ” DEFENCE. Per United Press Association. - WELLINGTON, .Tan. 29. To-day, before Dr McArthur, S.M., William Clark and Edward Barrett, proprietors of the Strand Cafe, were charged on three informations with having sold beer without being licensed to do so. A party of probationary constables visited the cafe on three successive nights and while having supper were supplied with bottled beer at Is Cd per bottle by tlie waitress. One night they purchased a bottle to take away. Ail the visits were paid after 30 o’clock, at which hour the hotels close. The place was searched by the police who found two dozen bottles of beer and seventy-five empties. For the defence a waitress said that she had instructions from her employers not to supply liquor after 10 p.m. and it was her custom to send out for liquor required hy men visiting Hie restaurant. She knew that defendants had liquor on the premises and she told the witnesses for the prosecution that she would gel a bottle if they did not say anything to the boss. Clark did not know that she had taken the liquor until, in making up his books, "lie lound that a bottle had not been accounted for. Witness said she had sold it. He told her she could have the money she got for it but was not to sell beer again. His Worship said he had no hesitation in saying that the liquor was sold and that he could not believe the girl. Each defendant would be fined £25. in default a month’s imprisonment. Counsel for the defence applied to have the fine reduced to £25 for both defendants, but bis Worship refused to do this as wilful perjury had been committed by their witness. Counsel said his clients had no money.—His Worship : Well, they must go to gaol.